With the amateur weekend in the history books, the Cities of Folsom and Rancho Cordova are gearing up to host thousands of fans, teams, and top motocross athletes from across the nation this week. It’s time for the 56th Annual Michael’s Reno Powersports Hangtown Motocross Classic, presented by Seven MX this weekend at Prairie City State Vehicular Recreation Area for a full day of elite racing, community celebration, and charitable impact.

The legendary race, widely regarded as the crown jewel of the Pro Motocross Outdoor Championship Series, has been drawing tens of thousands of fans to the region each year since its inception in 1969. With deep local roots, world-class competition, and significant charitable impact, the Hangtown Classic remains a hallmark of both motocross excellence and Northern California tradition.

Set against the rugged terrain of Prairie City just off Highway 50, this year’s Hangtown Classic will once again feature the top talent from around the globe competing in the 250cc and 450cc classes. Morning practice and qualifying will lead into the opening ceremony at 12:30 p.m., followed by high-intensity racing in both premier divisions.

Among the stars expected to return are last year’s 450 class winner Chase Sexton, whose dramatic come-from-behind victory in 2024 ended rival Jett Lawrence’s winning streak in spectacular fashion. In the 250 class, fans will watch to see if Haiden Deegan can build on his previous year’s dominance after claiming his second consecutive overall victory at Hangtown.

Fans can also enjoy exclusive access to the Pro Pits from 9 a.m. to noon for just $25—a popular tradition that lets ticket holders meet the riders, see the machines up close, and soak in the behind-the-scenes atmosphere of professional racing.

Tickets are available now at www.hangtownmx.com, with multiple options including grandstand seating, VIP experiences, and general admission passes.

Women’s Motocross Takes Friday Spotlight

Adding even more excitement to the weekend is the return of the Women’s Motocross Championship (WMX), which hits the track on Friday, May 30. After a successful revival in 2024, the WMX series continues to expand, giving a larger stage to some of the most talented female riders in the sport.

This year, the women’s races will feature updated competition rules, including a minimum rider age of 16 and new equipment regulations. With a six-round national schedule, the WMX round at Prairie City is the second stop on the tour, ensuring an action-packed Friday for fans arriving early.

“With the support of MX Sports and the track promoters, we’re creating something truly special for these talented women riders and the future of our sport,” said WMX coordinator Christina Denney.

A Community Cornerstone with Economic and Charitable Impact

More than just a racing spectacle, the Hangtown Motocross Classic plays a vital role in the Folsom area’s tourism and economic development. According to Choose Folsom CEO Joe Gagliardi, the event draws more than 20,000 attendees annually, generating major revenue for local hotels, restaurants, and small businesses.

“The annual Hangtown Motocross event is a proud Folsom tradition,” said Gagliardi. “The competitors and fans add to our economic vitality as they eat and shop in our Folsom businesses and support our lodging partners. Hangtown’s well-known brand offers Folsom national visibility.”

The event’s national spotlight is shared by Rancho Cordova, which proudly serves as the home of Prairie City SVRA and its dedicated off-highway facilities that transform into a full-blown racing village each spring. Fans arrive days early to camp on-site, turning the park into a self-contained motocross community by race day.

Weekend of racing benefits local charities

At the heart of Hangtown is its charitable mission. The Dirt Diggers North Motorcycle Club (DDNMC), the volunteer-based organization that has managed the event since its move from Placerville to Prairie City in 1979, donates event proceeds each year to support local causes. Chief among these is Friends of Folsom, a nonprofit that provides critical support services to underserved families.

Volunteers from Friends of Folsom assist in everything from building the track to managing hospitality and vendor logistics on race day. Proceeds from the event are crucial to funding the nonprofit’s annual Thanksgiving turkey drive, which feeds more than 10,000 local families.

“One hundred percent of the proceeds we receive from this event go toward our turkey drive in November,” said Friends of Folsom coordinator Sarah Woods. “Historically, the funds from this event alone make up about 40 percent of our annual fundraising goal. We are grateful to have this opportunity and to be part of such an amazing event each year.”

Additional profits are reinvested into the Prairie City facility itself, ensuring upgrades that benefit both amateur and pro riders, spectators, and the wider off-road community in a self-sustaining model that puts local needs first.

56 Years of Racing and a Legacy Built in Folsom’s Backyard

What makes the Hangtown Motocross Classic unique among the 11 national stops on the Pro Motocross circuit is its unmatched longevity and local heritage. The first Hangtown race was staged by the DDNMC in 1969 on the dusty trails of Murray Ranch in Placerville. Back then, just 150 sportsman riders and 30 pros showed up, racing for a $600 purse and motocross bragging rights.

The name “Hangtown” was borrowed from Placerville’s Gold Rush-era nickname, and the grassroots event quickly became one of the most beloved on the racing calendar. As the event’s popularity exploded, it outgrew Placerville and then Plymouth before finding a permanent home at Prairie City in 1979, where it has remained ever since.

Over the years, legendary riders like Bob Hannah, Ricky Johnson, Jeremy McGrath, Ricky Carmichael, and James Stewart have battled on the brutal hills of Hangtown, cementing the event’s reputation as one of the most challenging and exciting in the sport. Generations of fans return each year for the tradition, the adrenaline, and the pure spectacle of watching world-class athletes test their limits on one of motocross’s most demanding circuits.

From the high-stakes races on Saturday to the fast-rising women’s competition on Friday, the 2025 Hangtown Motocross Classic promises a weekend of dirt-flying action, local pride, and lasting impact. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a newcomer to motocross, there’s no better time to experience one of the most iconic races in the world—right in the heart of Northern California.

The 56th Annual Michael’s Reno Powersports Hangtown Motocross Classic takes place May 31 at Prairie City SVRA, located at 13300 White Rock Road in Rancho Cordova. Tickets, Pro Pit access, and full race details are available now at www.hangtownmx.com or by calling 916-337-6475.

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